Thanks to Elizabeth Gilbert (and Oprah), tourists have been eating, praying, and loving their way through Bali in droves in recent years. So naturally, I made it my mission to do the opposite. Instead of trekking to the Indonesian providence with the intention of over-indulging, I flew halfway across the world to diet and exercise. Though the idea of working out while on vacation—in Bali, nonetheless—may seem as crazy as feeding wild monkeys (which I also did), a luxury property in Nusa Dua recently launched a six-hour wellness program that might make you have a change of heart… and reach for your yoga pants.
My Full-Day Wellness Program at The Mulia Spa began at 6 AM with a one-hour yoga session in an open-aired cabana. It didn’t quite measure up to the Bikram Yoga classes I’m accustomed to in Manhattan, but I’ll trade seascape views for a sweaty studio any day of the week. After enjoying one of the spa’s healthy breakfast options (each meal is guaranteed to be 300 calories or fewer), I donned a swimsuit and alternated between the cold and hot outdoor pools before heading inside to Bali’s first—and only—ice fountain room.
Set to a temperature of 30 degrees, the ice room uses chromatherapy chakra cleansing LED-lighting color systems to stimulate circulation, boost metabolism, soothe aching joints, and detox the immune system. After rubbing ice-crystals all over my already quivering body, I dashed into the Finnish wood sauna and aroma steam room for some much-needed warmth.
It was now time for the real fun to begin. After entering the treatment room and slipping on a pair of mesh underwear, I spent the next several hours having every inch of my body stroked, scrubbed, and spoiled like a lap dog. A friendly masseuse guided me through the program of customized facial and body treatments, which included a foot massage with rose petals, a spiritual palm healing practice called Reiki, aura cleansing using a Tibetan singing bowl, a Balinese hot oil hair treatment, a Dead Sea salt scrub and mud treatment, a slimming wrap, and a 30-minute back massage. Following a short lunch break—where I enjoyed another healthful meal and several cups of detox tea—I capped off my treatment session with a 90-minute Balinese massage and a 90-minute white crystal lymphatic facial.
Just as I started to doze off on the treatment table, the touching ceased, and I was instructed to prepare for aqua aerobics. After spending most of the day stationary, it felt good to stretch my (now knot-free) muscles in the crisp pool and work up a sweat. A quick change of clothes and a trip to the steam room later, I retreated to the dining area for the final portion of the program: dinner and drinks—well, fresh fruit juice.
So how much did my six-hour spa day cost? A cool $625 (excluding gratuity). Was it worth it? Yes. Would I do it again? Perhaps. Though it felt insanely relaxing—and oddly liberating—to spend a whole day doing nothing but attending to my body’s needs and wants, at times it felt like a little too much pampering. For those wackos like me that think it’s possible to be massaged too long, the spa also offers a half-day treatment starting at $304. On the flip side, guests looking to return stateside a few pounds lighter can enroll in the all-day program for up to one week. Just be sure to book your reservation for all treatments 24 hours in advance so the on-site chef can customize your meals based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.
